The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is advising consumers to refrain from using nine brands of hand sanitizer manufactured by Eskbiochem SA de CV in Mexico. The FDA made this announcement after discovering these brands’ hand sanitizers may contain methanol, or wood alcohol, which is a substance that can be toxic when ingested or absorbed through the skin.
What brands are affected?
The FDA has identified the following brands and products manufactured by Eskbiochem SA de CV:
- All-Clean Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-002-01)
- Esk Biochem Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-007-01)
- CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 75% Alcohol (NDC: 74589-008-04)
- Lavar 70 Gel Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-006-01)
- The Good Gel Antibacterial Gel Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-010-10)
- CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 80% Alcohol (NDC: 74589-005-03)
- CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 75% Alcohol (NDC: 74589-009-01)
- CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 80% Alcohol (NDC: 74589-003-01)
- Saniderm Advanced Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-001-01)
In its tests, the FDA tested samples of Lavar Gel and CleanCare No Germ. These tests revealed that the products contained 80% (v/v) and 28% (v/v) methanol.
What can consumers do?
Review your hand sanitizer(s) immediately to see if it is one of these nine products or if it contains methanol. If so, discontinue use immediately. These products should be disposed of in appropriate hazardous waste containers—not flushed or poured down the drain.
If you have been exposed to hand sanitizer containing methanol, the FDA recommends seeking treatment immediately. Treatment is critical for the potential reversal of methanol poisoning and its toxic effects.
To practice proper hand hygiene, consumers should wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and opt for alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% ethanol when soap and water are not readily available.
The content of this News Brief is of general interest and is not intended to apply to specific circumstances. It should not be regarded as legal advice and not be relied upon as such. In relation to any particular problem which they may have, readers are advised to seek specific advice. © 2020 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.
